JYE McNeil will now ride Chapada in this Saturday’s Caulfield Cup, with his original mount Orderofthegarter out of the race.
While the Mike Moroney-trained Chapada claimed the Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, Orderofthegarter ran last in that event.
Orderofthegarter had previously rated among the Caulfield Cup favourites, but Saturday’s result prompted trainer Danny O’Brien and owner Lloyd Williams to spell the horse.
Chapada settled mid field on the rails in the 2400 metre event before moving off the rail as the field approached the straight before producing a strong sprint to win by 1 1/4 lengths.
Chapada will carry 50.5 kilos in the Caulfield Cup and drew barrier 16 at Wednesday’s barrier draw.
Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper Greg Carpenter said Wednesday “Saturday’s Group 2 victory further enhanced Chapada’s excellent record at 2400m and beyond, which includes placings in the 2018 VRC Deby and 2019 Sandown Classic.”
Trainer Mike Moroney said he had no concerns backing Chapada up two Saturday’s in a row. “I don’t think (backing up) will worry. He’s that sort of horse. He’s pretty laid back and his fitness is pretty good now”, Moroney said earlier in the week.
The $5,000,000 Group 1 Caulfield Cup is run over 2400m, the same distance as the Herbert Power Stakes and is scheduled to jump at 5.15pm.
TAB slashed Chapada’s odds from $101 to $21 after the Herbert Power Handicap win.
